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Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the latest version of
the GTI utilizes the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and
intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine, with FSI direct fuel injection and
maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. Bred for smooth, top-notch performance, the
engine features an advanced, fully-electronic management system that combines
drive-by-wire throttle control and FSI direct fuel injection to cut back on
emissions while increasing overall fuel efficiency and power.
Producing
200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from 1,800 all the way
up to 5,000 rpm, the GTI's 2.0-liter engine is prepared to take to the road with
force. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the GTI can go from a
zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and on to an electronically limited 130 mph top
speed. Power delivery remains smooth and direct across the rpm range, allowing
for a swift, 7.5 second run from 37 to 62 mph in fifth gear, and finishes with a
redline of 6,500 rpm. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0T engine
and six-speed
manual transmission deliver an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg
in city driving.
For drivers who want the performance of a traditional
manual transmission with the precision and ease of use of an automatic gearbox,
the GTI is available with an optional automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
transmission. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates
an automatic dualclutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears
without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the
process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear needed while the clutch from the
previous gear is
released. The results are crisp, quick shifts without the
loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox, and the
ability for the GTI to reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds from a standstill. The 2010
GTI's fuel economy is improved when equipped with the DSG transmission, which
attains an EPA estimated 32 mpg in highway driving, and 24 mpg in city driving.
Those owners who opt for the DSG transmission can switch between full
automatic operation, which requires no additional action beyond moving the gear
shift lever to the "D" position, and automated manual operation, which enables
the driver to control every gear change. Volkswagen Tiptronic lets the driver
shift up and down as he prefers, using either the finger-operated paddles
mounted to the GTI's steering wheel, or by tapping the gearshift selector up or
down. As an added performance bonus with the DSG transmission, a Launch Control
program can be enabled, which, when the car is stopped, allows the engine to
build revs before the first clutch is engaged, and creates a more perfect launch
with controlled wheel-spin.
Chassis and Suspension
To
ensure all of the GTI's power makes its way to the road, a fully independent,
European-tuned suspension is employed at all four corners to provide drivers
with the confidence they demand on even the most challenging roads and
conditions. At the front, McPherson struts with lower control arms are
complemented by a tubular anti-roll bar to keep the front tires planted,
especially in the corners, and connect to an all-aluminum sub-frame to reduce
unsprung mass. The track-stabilization steering roll radius cuts back on body
roll in tight turning situations, and has a more direct steering ratio for
improved driver feedback.
Keeping the car settled at the rear without
sacrificing passenger comfort, a four-link independent setup with the springs
and shock absorbers positioned apart from each other are matched with a separate
sub-frame and another tubular anti-roll bar. The sport-tuned arrangement comes
with an added benefit - increased cargo space - by allowing for a larger rear
hatch opening.
Helping the GTI to head into the corners with ease is an
electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system. With good on-center
feel, confidence-inspiring responsiveness to driver input at all positions,
active-return steering, and straight-ahead driving correction assistance, the
system seamlessly unites the GTI and its driver.
Bringing the GTI to a
halt are vented 312mm x 25mm disc brakes at the front, and solid 286mm x 12mm
disc brakes at the rear, all with red-painted calipers that can be seen through
the new 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels.
Active and Passive Safety
The 2010 GTI comes with standard with a collection of safety features and
enhancements, including a three channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti-slip
Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking Assist
(EBA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Electronic Stabilization
Program (ESP). Like all 2009 model year Volkswagens ESP comes standard on all
2010 model year vehicles, ahead of the U.S. government's mandate that by 2012,
all vehicles produced will need to have some form of Electronic Stability
Control (ESC).
New for the sixth generation GTI is a standard Electronic
Limited Slip system that Volkswagen has named XDS. The system electronically
monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage,
transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.
Like all Volkswagens, the GTI also includes the Prevent and Preserve Safety
System, consisting of 40 standard safety features. As standard equipment, the
GTI includes, but is not limited to: Six airbags (dual front, dual front side
thorax, and side curtains), optimized head restraints, front seatbelt
pretensioners with load limiters, and three-point safety belts in all five
seating positions (two front and three rear). In the four-door GTI, rear side
airbags are available as an option, as are rear outboard safety belts with
pretensioners and load limiters.
Sporty Interior
The 2010
GTI continues its performance showcase inside the cabin, with accommodations
that will delight both driver and passengers. Heavily bolstered front seats are
wrapped in patterned sport fabric with red and white doublestitching throughout,
come standard with eight-way manual adjustment, adjustable lumbar support and
head restraints, and are heated.
On two-door models, both front seats
incorporate the Easy Entry System for improved access to the rear seating area.
The three-spoke flat bottom steering wheel has been upgraded with an embossed
center section, aluminum trim on the spokes, red stitching, and perforated
leather along the top and bottom sections for better grip.
The instrument
panel has also been redesigned, with chrome trim surrounding the large
tachometer on the left, which incorporates a smaller, integrated engine
temperature gauge as well as the matching speedometer on the right, which
features an integrated fuel gauge. Standing between the black analog gauges is a
multi-function onboard computer display that provides the driver with key
information regarding the fuel mileage, odometer, and more. Metallic highlights
continue throughout the interior, gracing the gearshift knob, the trim inserts
and the pedal cluster, and brushed-metal accents add a sense of sophistication
to the HVAC controls and stereo unit.
The GTI comes standard with an
8-speaker sound system with an AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio, touch-screen
in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 format readability, theft deterrence,
auxiliary input jack along with an iPod adapter, and Bluetooth connectivity for
hands-free calling with a paired mobile phone. For increased audio fidelity and
enjoyment, the 300W Dynaudio Lite premium sound system can be ordered.
The GTI's Autobahn options package for both the two and four-door models adds
top sport front seats, leather seating surfaces front and rear, and a power
sunroof. Owners can also order their 2010 GTI with a touch-screen navigation
system that includes a 6.5" high resolution display, integrated 30GB hard drive
(10GB for navigation, 20GB for audio), WMA / MP3 audio CD playback, DVD
playback, an SD memory card slot, a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack in the center
console. The system provides both visual and audible commands through the center
console display, as well as the digital display located in the instrument
cluster.
Volkswagen GTI Coupe: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications